218 | Farming with Family: How to Handle “Cousin Eddie”
In the latest episode, hosted at the 2025 Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Annual Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, Peggy converses with Will McKinley from Menn Law, a legal advisor and General Counsel for the PDP, about the intricate challenges of managing family-run multimillion-dollar dairy farms.
The discussion focuses on common issues such as the 'Cousin Eddie' scenario, where less competent family members may pose risks to farm management and decision-making. Will emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and legal tools, like setting up trusts and involving non-family management to address these complexities while ensuring the farm's longevity and the financial security of all family members.
He also highlights the necessity of open communication, candor, and psychological insight to navigate these sensitive family dynamics effectively. Will shares real-life examples and stresses the importance of detailed, one-on-one conversations with family members to craft tailored solutions that balance individual desires with the best interests of the farm.
Contact Will McKinley at Menn Law:
William-McKinley@mennlaw.com
(920) 731-6631
https://mennlaw.com/
Do you have a question on succession and farm transition you would like to hear Will answer on the Uplevel Dairy Podcast?
Send your questions to peggy@upleveldairy.com
